In order to enhance awareness and engagement in recreational fishing and promote the conservation of marine resources in the commonwealth of the northern mariana islands (cnmi), the cnmi division of…

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a $154,715.25 Formula Grant under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Department of Lands and Natural Resources (DLNR) for the period of October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. The grant funding will support the DLNR Division of Fish and Wildlife's efforts to enhance awareness and engagement in recreational fishing, as well as promote the conservation of marine resources in the CNMI. Key activities include conducting skills training events such as fishing clinics and a spearfishing dive rescue training course, along with various outreach initiatives like demonstrations on fishing methods, safety practices, and sustainable fishing. These initiatives aim to equip participants with angling skills, educate the public about sustainable fishing, foster stewardship of marine environments, and ensure the long-term health of the CNMI's marine ecosystems.

In order to enhance awareness and engagement in recreational fishing and promote the conservation of marine resources in the commonwealth of the northern mariana islands (cnmi), the cnmi division of fish and wildlife will conduct skills training events and various outreach activities throughout FY 2025. Training events include fishing clinics, where participants will learn how to RIG their line, cast a rod, land a fish and identify their catch and a 3-day spearfishing dive rescue training and CPR course to provide for experienced spearfishermen and women with the education and safety skills needed on land and when out in the open water and address recent need to reduce spearfishing incidents. Among outreach activities are: demonstrations on various fishing methods, safe fishing practices, different techniques of tying knots, water safety, fishing code of conduct at community events and production and dissemination of educational pamphlets and other outreach materials illustrating various fishes and their habitats in the cnmi. These initiatives aim to equip participants with angling skills to promote participation in recreational fishing, educate the public about sustainable fishing practices, foster a sense of stewardship towards marine environments, and ensure the long-term health and viability of cnmis marine ecosystems.